0098 New Term At Evening Class - Poem by Michael Shepherd

Sit here, in the entrance hall whichthey've cleaned to spotless in the vacationand watch them arrive, early, one by one; that's much more fun to watch.

Some walk a little faster than they needas if impelled by their decision to make this time full of worth for them.

Some walk slowly, yet deliberately, with a relaxed quiet; we guess they're teaching staff; whilethe ones who seem in a controlled acceleration tonightare probably on duty.

Some seem almost unrecognisablefrom your memory of them last term; something magnificent must have happenedin the vacation; you wonder - do they know?

Some walk slowly, as if they belonged herebefore they arrived; they bring the purpose of the placevisibly to light, as if bringing it back to itself; even, as we watch, bring ourselves to ourselves; as if the schoolhas come to life before a word is said;

if this were an ancient temple, (and why not?) they would be in solemn, joyous procession towardsthe stone or place that is the building's centre, bearing in upraised handsa gift of gratitude, with shining eyes...forwho can forget that Greek statue of the 'calf-bearer'who walked this way, shining-eyed, to that temple; who walksfor as long as marble lasts?

But this is today; we watch them in their street clotheson their way down to the cloakroom, two brown leaves, damp between, shed on the doormat.

And now, elevated by this passing showso, knowing now humanity always this so beautiful, I too go down to the cloakroom; where in the perfect mirrorI see a person whose face has softened; and yet who's taller, with some almost unfamiliar authority whichI did not see when I last looked at mein the steamy bathroom mirror back at home -

Oh, man! That was very rich. Really felt like I was there. Original, described through fresh eyes too. And then, bringing it home at the end, how lovely! So, are you teaching? Taking a course? (he wondered) .

I have classes 3 nights a week that just started back up this week(aside from a couple day) .....interesting if this if the perspective of the professor. Really nice poem Michael. Sincerely, Mary(Report)Reply